:: beachy manicures for summer ::

I have super pale skin that only barely tans in the summer (it doesn't burn, thank goodness). But I've always felt like I've had to do the pinky, Essie Bubble Bath, bubble gum pink colors in the summer time and that was as light as I could go.

Otherwise, it looks like I don't actually have any nails. But I'm trying to embrace the nude nail. One, because it looks so summery and effortless. And two, because if I get a chip, it's barely noticeable. Try saying that about Lincoln Park After Dark.

 Anyone have any taupe-y favorites for me to try?

nude nails by mascaraordie 

:: hunter green is spring's new navy ::

It might not sound too springy springy, but if you think about leaves and grass and getting beyond all this white stuff, hunter green and spring are right around the corner. Normally, this hunter/forest green is more of a winter color for me, but this spring it's everywhere...so much so that it can even me used as a neutral to replace brown, black or navy. It goes with everything, especially our 2014 superstar, radiant orchid.

green machine 

:: bright yellow! ::

Even though it's still frigid out, the sun is shining and the sky is blue. And for that, I'm grateful. It means I could pull back out my ballet flats rather than my Hunters/Mukluks/LLBean artic tundra footwear. I'll probably slip and fall on my way home tonight but whatever. It's Friday, I'll have the weekend to recover.

In honor of the sunshine, here's what I'm thinking...Isn't that drapey Ted Baker tunic dress amazing? Happy weekend!

bright yellow!  featuring Alice + Olivia

:: supermodel cuticles ::

Rarely are there ways to make yourself look more polished on the cheap. Botox, keratin, an Equinox membership. These are all gonna cost you bank. But here's one good little habit for 2014 that will cost you under $15 and make your digits feel like a million bucks.

I pick at my fingers whenever. A childhood nail biter, I finally stopped that bad habit, but if I'm thinking hard or stressed or basically whenever I'm awake, I'm picking at my (now) raggedy cuticles. Here's a shortcut through my journey to find the best ever cuticle oils and creams.

1. Julep essential cuticle oil ($18). I got this as an add-on to one of my Julep boxes and I think it's my favorite of the bunch. It smells herbal and is light enough to absorb into my skin pretty quickly. A rollerball applicator is also my preference to a brush.

2. Aveda cuticle control ($10.50). This is more of a remover/minimizer, but whatever keeps those ragged edges smooth.

3. C. O. Bigelow Rosebud Salve ($6). If this stuff could cook me dinner and dig out my car after a snow storm, I'd marry it. In addition to being a lip balm, and a scratch soother and a burn reliever, it's great on the cuticles. And it's so cheap.

4. O.P.I Avoplex ($9). Made of avocado oil, it includes a brush applicator and is meant to be rubbed in overnight.

5. Butter Cuticle Oil ($19). This stuff actually looks (and feels like nail polish). Brush one coat over entire nail (including cuticle area) and let dry.

6. Philosophy's Hands of Hope ($10). Do you remember Philosophy's Save the Nails? It was discontinued a long time ago, which kinda broke my little product-loving heart. But they've finally replaced it and Hands of Hope is almost as good. And it doubles as a heavy hand cream for those of you with chappy winter hands.

7. Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream ($6). A really tart lemon scent and a convenient little tin make this a great choice to toss in your purse. It takes a while to sink in (at least for me), but it gets the job done.

Any favorites I've forgotten? Happy weekend!

:: hazel, not just for eyes anymore ::

Way back when, I took a pottery class and was less than stellar at mastering the pottery wheel. But when the teacher helped me, I could make some halfway decent bowls that now serve as ring holders and salt dishes and change collectors all over my house. And they're all a color called "Hobbit Hazel". The kiln would burn it differently each time but it was always a variation of the glorious color you see here, apparently straight out of Middle Earth.

So, yeah, I'm pretty much in love with everything below. If I was more of a monochromatic girl, I'd make this my fall wish list. But I'll save that spread for another post. In the meantime, can I reiterate how much I love hazel? It's really a truly, truly transitional shade. Springy and summery in the warmer months and cozy and rich for fall and winter. AND, it's a color that you can not only wear, but also drape your house in. Just ask my kitchen.

source